Renuvion

Renuvion is a minimally invasive technology that delivers radiofrequency energy in a helium gas environment to create a precise stream of “cold” helium plasma. When applied just beneath the skin through a tiny access point, this energy coagulates subdermal tissues and contracts the collagen network, producing an immediate tightening effect while also stimulating a longer arc of collagen remodeling over the following months. Many patients think of it as a bridge between noninvasive skin tightening and a surgical lift. It can be performed on its own for targeted tightening or combined with liposuction to treat both excess fat and laxity in the same procedure.

Patients often ask whether Renuvion is “FDA approved.” In aesthetics, most energy devices are “FDA‑cleared” via the 510(k) pathway rather than “approved,” which is a different regulatory track. Renuvion’s APR handpiece has multiple 510(k) clearances that matter to cosmetic patients today. As of May 10, 2023, the FDA’s safety communication confirms three key indications for the APR handpiece:

• Improving the appearance of lax skin in the neck and submental (under‑chin) region.
• Delivery where coagulation/contraction of soft tissue is needed, including subcutaneous tissue.
• Coagulation of subcutaneous soft tissues following liposuction for aesthetic body contouring. (fda.gov)

These clearances were granted on specific dates:

• Neck and submental laxity: cleared July 15, 2022. (fda.gov)
• Coagulation/contraction where needed (soft tissue, including subcutaneous): cleared February 27, 2023. (apyxmedical.com)
• Coagulation of subcutaneous soft tissues following liposuction: cleared April 27, 2023 (announced April 28 and May 2, 2023). (fda.gov)

There is also a separate Renuvion Dermal handpiece the FDA cleared on May 25, 2022 for dermal resurfacing of moderate to severe facial wrinkles in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III; this is distinct from the APR handpiece used under the skin. Your surgeon will recommend the right tool for your goals and skin type. (fda.gov)

At Allure Esthetic, Dr. Sajan evaluates candidacy individually and follows FDA indications and safety guidance to ensure you understand what Renuvion can and cannot do for each treatment area. (fda.gov)

• Minimally invasive with tiny entry points. Most access incisions are just a few millimeters. Scars are usually minimal and easily concealed.
• Efficient procedure times. Many areas take 15–30 minutes each; comprehensive treatment can often be completed in a single visit.
• Synergistic with liposuction. If laxity and excess fat coexist (abdomen, love handles, back, arms, thighs, or under the chin), Renuvion can be performed after lipo to help the tissue contract around your new contours—an approach now supported by a specific FDA clearance. (fda.gov)
• Natural‑looking results. Renuvion contracts from the inside, supporting a smoother drape of the skin without the tell‑tale “over‑pulled” look of an overly tight lift.
• Streamlined recovery. Most desk‑based work is possible in 5–7 days; full activity typically phases back in once cleared by Dr. Sajan.

Under your skin is a lattice of collagen fibers that gives tissue its structure and “snap.” With age and stressors, those fibers lengthen and lose integrity. Renuvion’s helium plasma transfers heat quickly and very precisely, causing controlled collagen denaturation and contraction. As the tissues cool, they “set” a little tighter. Over the next months, your body responds by producing new collagen that further supports firmness and elasticity. The result is a two‑phase improvement: an incremental lift you can see early, followed by steady refinement as your collagen remodels.

Renuvion is versatile and can be applied to many body zones. Common requests at Allure Esthetic include:

• Lower face and neck (including under the chin)
• Abdomen and waist
• Arms
• Back and bra roll area
• Flanks and hips
• Thighs (inner and outer)
• Buttocks roll
• Knees

Important context about indications:

• Improving the appearance of lax skin in the neck/submental area is specifically FDA‑cleared for the APR handpiece.
• Coagulation/contraction of soft tissue where needed (including subcutaneous tissue) is cleared and may be applied in various body areas based on individual needs and surgeon judgment.
• Following liposuction, coagulation of subcutaneous soft tissues is specifically cleared for aesthetic body contouring. Your customized plan will follow these indications and incorporate the latest safety guidance. (fda.gov)

Every Renuvion journey begins with a one‑on‑one consultation with Dr. Sajan. Expect a thoughtful conversation about your goals, a physical exam to assess skin thickness and elasticity, photography for planning, and a frank discussion of options—from Renuvion alone to liposuction plus Renuvion or a traditional surgical lift if that would better match your goals. You’ll also review your health history, medications, and prior procedures to ensure safety and predictable healing.

• Mild to moderate laxity anywhere from the lower face and neck to the abdomen, arms, back, and thighs.
• At or near your goal weight (generally within 5–10 pounds). Renuvion is a contouring and tightening tool, not a weight‑loss procedure.
• Nonsmokers or those willing to stop; nicotine impairs healing.
• Realistic expectations about what technology can deliver versus what only surgery can accomplish.
• No active skin infections, untreated medical conditions, or contraindications to anesthesia.

• Anesthesia: Depending on the areas treated and whether liposuction is included, you may have local anesthesia with tumescent solution and oral/IV sedation or a short general anesthetic. Dr. Sajan will recommend the safest approach for your case.
• Access and treatment: After numbing, tiny access points are created to introduce the Renuvion probe beneath the skin. The helium plasma is delivered in precise passes to coagulate and contract the target tissues. If fat reduction is part of your plan, liposuction is performed first; Renuvion follows to address soft tissue laxity and improve the drape of the skin over your new contour. (fda.gov)
• Duration: Each zone often takes 15–30 minutes; multi‑area cases can take longer depending on the customized plan.

• First 48–72 hours: Expect swelling, a feeling of tightness, and possibly mild bruising. You’ll wear a compression garment over the treated regions to control swelling and support the healing tissues. Keep incisions clean and dry.
• Days 4–7: Discomfort generally improves quickly. Many patients return to desk work within a week. Avoid strenuous activity until cleared.
• Weeks 2–4: Swelling continues to diminish. Gentle walking is encouraged; higher‑impact exercise is added back gradually per your post‑op plan.
• Months 1–3: Results become easier to appreciate as swelling resolves. Skin feels progressively firmer.
• Months 4–9 (and beyond): Collagen remodeling continues, revealing your “final” refinement. Many patients enjoy long‑lasting improvements for years, provided weight and lifestyle remain stable.

• Minimally invasive tightening from the inside out
• Addresses “crepey” skin that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
• Can be paired with lipo for a one‑and‑done transformation session
• Small incisions and discreet scars
• Streamlined recovery compared with surgical lifting
• Natural‑looking, durable results that complement your features

When lax skin sits on top of excess fat, removing fat alone may leave you with more visible laxity. By performing liposuction first and then using the Renuvion APR handpiece to coagulate subcutaneous soft tissues, Dr. Sajan can contract the tissue framework so the skin better conforms to your new contours. This sequencing is consistent with the technology’s clearance “for coagulation of subcutaneous soft tissues following liposuction for aesthetic body contouring.” (fda.gov)

No procedure is risk‑free. Potential risks include burns, contour irregularities, prolonged swelling, bleeding, infection, nerve irritation, fluid collections, and scarring. Technique, anesthesia planning, energy settings, and patient selection all matter. In March 2022 the FDA issued a safety communication discussing uses that were not yet cleared at that time and later updated its guidance after new clearances were granted in 2022 and 2023. Today, providers are expected to follow the current indications, instructions for use, and training materials for each handpiece. At Allure Esthetic, Dr. Sajan adheres to these FDA indications and incorporates safety protocols tailored to your anatomy and goals. (fda.gov)

• Early phase: You’ll typically notice firmer, tighter skin once initial swelling recedes.
• Remodeling phase: Most patients see continued improvement over 6–9 months as new collagen forms.
• Longevity: Results are long‑lasting but not “forever”—your skin will continue to age normally. Many patients enjoy their improvements for years. Stable weight, diligent sun protection, and good skincare help preserve your outcome.

• Renuvion shines when you want meaningful tightening without the scars and downtime of a full lift and when excess skin is mild to moderate.
• Surgical lifts remain the gold standard for substantial laxity or when skin redundancy must be removed, such as post‑pregnancy abdominal overhang or significant lower face/neck bands.
• Dr. Sajan will recommend the most efficient path to your goals—even if that means suggesting surgery instead of Renuvion.

• Radiofrequency‑assisted liposuction platforms and laser‑assisted lipolysis can tighten to a degree but use different energy profiles.
• External, noninvasive devices (such as ultrasound or monopolar RF) require multiple sessions and typically yield subtler changes but with virtually no downtime.
• Microneedling RF can improve skin quality and mild laxity at the surface but does not contract the deeper subcutaneous matrix the way subdermal Renuvion can. If you’re comparing options, ask to see case photos for patients with a similar starting point, and have a candid talk about the power and limits of each modality.

• Personalization: Every treatment plan is custom, factoring in skin quality, fat distribution, and your tolerance for downtime.
• Experience: Renuvion is technique‑sensitive. Dr. Sajan’s approach emphasizes balanced energy delivery, careful sequencing with liposuction when indicated, and meticulous aftercare.
• Discretion and comfort: Our Seattle practice is designed to support a private, seamless experience—from consultation through follow‑up.

• Stop nicotine (including vaping) as directed to optimize healing.
• Share all medications and supplements. You may be asked to pause blood‑thinners or agents that increase bleeding risk (only with your prescribing doctor’s permission).
• Maintain stable weight for several weeks before and after your procedure.
Arrange a ride home and a few low‑stress days to focus on recovery.

• Wear your compression garment exactly as directed.
• Keep incisions clean and follow showering/bathing instructions.
• Sleep with the treated area elevated when possible (for example, elevate the torso after abdominal treatment, or the head/neck after submental treatment) to minimize swelling.
• Avoid high‑heat exposure (sauna, hot tubs) until cleared.
• Walk around the house several times a day to support circulation.

Because plans vary—from a focused under‑chin tightening to comprehensive body contouring with liposuction plus Renuvion—pricing is customized after your consultation. We’ll provide a transparent quote, walk you through what it includes, and discuss financing options if helpful.

If sagging skin is keeping you from feeling like yourself, a personalized Renuvion treatment in Seattle could be the bridge between nonsurgical maintenance and a full surgical lift. Call Allure Esthetic to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sajan. We’ll assess your skin, map your options, and craft a plan designed for durable, natural‑looking results—with safety and your goals at the center.

Is Renuvion painful?

Most patients are comfortable during treatment thanks to local anesthesia, tumescent solution, sedation, or a brief general anesthetic for multi‑area cases. Expect soreness similar to a workout for several days afterward.

Will I need more than one session?

Many patients achieve their goals with a single treatment. Complex or multi‑zone cases may benefit from staging. Your plan will be based on your skin quality and goals rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all protocol.

How soon will I see results?

You’ll notice early tightening as swelling settles in the first month, followed by progressive improvement through months 6–9.

Are the results permanent?

Results are long‑lasting, but skin continues to age. Think of Renuvion as resetting the clock several years; how long that reset lasts depends on genetics, sun care, and lifestyle.

Can Renuvion replace a tummy tuck or facelift?

It can approximate a lift in carefully selected patients with mild to moderate laxity, but it does not remove excess skin. If you have significant skin redundancy, a surgical lift is likely a better match.

Is Renuvion safe for all skin tones?

The subdermal APR handpiece is used beneath the skin and is not limited by Fitzpatrick type the way some resurfacing tools are. Dermal resurfacing with Renuvion has specific guidance and limitations; if resurfacing is part of your plan, Dr. Sajan will discuss the appropriate approach for your skin type. (fda.gov)

What about the newest platforms?

Apyx Medical announced in 2025 that the AYON Body Contouring System received 510(k) clearance as an all‑in‑one aesthetic surgical platform. If and when Allure Esthetic integrates AYON, we will update our patients and explain how it enhances treatment workflows. For now, our focus remains on proven indications and outcomes with our current Renuvion technology. (apyxmedical.com)

Who should avoid Renuvion?

• Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions, active infections, or unrealistic expectations
• Those unable to pause nicotine or certain medications when medically appropriate
• Individuals seeking the dramatic skin removal possible only with surgery

Why patients looking for “Renuvion Seattle” choose Allure Esthetic

• Surgeon‑led care from consult through follow‑up
• Meticulous technique and attention to natural‑looking contours
• Adherence to the latest FDA indications, instructions for use, and safety guidance for the APR handpiece
• A warm, discreet environment where your goals drive the plan

• FDA update on Renuvion/J‑Plasma aesthetic indications (May 10, 2023), including neck/submental clearance (July 15, 2022) and clearance for use following liposuction (April 27, 2023). (fda.gov)
• Apyx Medical announcements on Renuvion APR handpiece clearances for coagulation/contraction where needed (February 27, 2023) and for use after liposuction (April 28/May 2, 2023). (apyxmedical.com)
• 2025 clearance of the AYON Body Contouring System. (apyxmedical.com)